Over 30 Of The Greatest And Worst Deals You’ll Find At Costco

Being a Costco member is one of the most elite memberships you can own. Only these specific members know what it’s like to have their benefits. The customers are extremely satisfied with their products. However, while customers may think they are getting the best deals, but this is not always true. With this list, we can help you with the best way to spend your money.

Don’t Buy- Kirkland Laundry Detergent

While you may save a fortune with Kirkland laundry detergent, you’ll realize quickly that it is not a good product to use. In the end, you’ll have to spend more money buying new clothing since your existing clothes will be ruined with this product. Not only will it damage your clothing, but it is also known to call health problems. What’s even worse, it’s bad for the environment too!

Buy- Maple Syrup

Authentic maple syrup can be very expensive, and your local breakfast spots probably use a different kind that contains corn syrup and is nothing like the original. Kirkland knew what they were doing when they created their natural Maple Syrup. You can get a 1-liter size for an excellent price.

Don’t Buy- Books

Costco has an excellent aisle when it comes to books. Their prices tend to be lower than other stores, but you can find them cheaper online like Amazon. You may also purchase used books at specific bookstores for low prices.

Buy- Toilet Paper

If you’re gonna buy anything at Costco, then you may as well invest in this 30-roll pack of extra soft toilet paper. It is a huge package; the quality and prices are unbeatable! Don’t even get us started on the paper towels as well

Buy- Olive Oil

Olive Oil is an ingredient we use in all kinds of dishes, and it’s something we need in our kitchens. Costco has a huge portion, which is great to have. You will never be concerned about having a lack of this product, and you will save a lot of money too. It is also extra-virgin, organic, and of amazing quality. What a steal!

Don’t Buy- Ground Coffee

If you’re anything like us that you live, breathe, and eat coffee! Most people need coffee first thing in the morning, and you are probably one of us! You may save extra money with a bigger size, but you’ll be sacrificing the taste. As soon as the coffee beans are grounded, then they are exposed to air, and they immediately lose their flavor and intensity.

Buy- Gas

Costco gas is something that we all need, especially being a member. The gas prices are unbeatable, and having a Costco card will only help you! Even if all the Costco stores close, you should still invest in membership as long as their gas stations exist.

Don’t Buy- Kirkland Light Beer

At Costco, you will find brand name beer like Corona, Budweiser, and Guinness, but Costco also has its signature beer called Kirkland Light Beer, but it isn’t the best you’ll find. Your best bet would just skip this purchase and save yourself the process of having to return it.

Buy- Frozen Fruits

You have no idea how amazing this product is and how much money you are going to save. Even better, you can buy this frozen produce in bulk and store it for a long time. You can also buy frozen vegetables too.

Don’t Buy- Fresh Fruits And Veggies

This one may be more difficult, and we would recommend not buying these fruits at Costco. They sell huge packages, and more often than not, they tend to go rotten. You are better off buying them at the local grocery store.

Don’t Buy- Spices

Spices can not stay on the shelf for too long, or else they will lose their flavor. It’s better to buy the smaller jars unless you are cooking for a huge amount of people regularly. But come on, let the Italian Restaurants use those.

Buy- Vanilla

While spices lose their flavoring, Vanilla doesn’t. You can buy a huge size of Costco’s vanilla extract, and it will be a great investment. You never know when you may want to do some cooking, so it’s better to have it lying around.

Don’t Buy- Tissues

You can clean up a sneeze with any brand of tissue, but with a cold, you will need a strong, tough quality that won’t break. You may be eager to buy a huge amount at a time, but you won’t bet on getting the best quality since Kirkland’s quality is not going to help you with a runny nose.

Buy- Tires

At Costco, customers depend on their tires for any of their needs. You can find them at a discount price, and even nonmembers will be eager to purchase their latest products. These tires are the all-around best quality!

Don’t Buy- Soda

While it may be convenient for you to buy your soft drinks and foods at the same time, you should probably head over to the grocery store for these purchases instead. The drinks are always on display with sales stickers, so make sure you are looking out for them.

Don’t Buy- Diapers

All parents are familiar with how pricey have young children can be. The price of diapers is enough to sink you into debt. You may be intrigued to buy this in bulk, but they are usually heavy, and you will end up running through them. A more convenient way for you to buy diapers is online on Amazon. They have great discounts, and you can buy it in large amounts. Even better, with prime, you can have free delivery!

Buy- Breakfast Cereal

Everyone, regardless of age, always loves cereal. Costco has always been the best place to buy cereal, and you can find brands like Post and Kellog’s at low prices. You can keep cereal on the shelf for a long time, so don’t worry about them going stale.

Buy- Plastic Wrap

You should get yourself to Costco to purchase some Kirkland and Vitawrap plastic brands. You can keep them in your home for years, and they come in large amounts. It is a great product for all surfaces and the cheapest at Costco.

Don’t Buy- Shampoo Or Soap

Just like soda, which is frequently on sale, soaps and shampoos are the same way. You don’t need to worry about paying full price for these items, especially since Costco you won’t really find a good bargain.

Buy- Oatmeal

Costco has an excellent 60-pack of Instant Oatmeal that is the best bought at Costco. You can nearly save $10 when you buy this at Costco instead of the nearby supermarket. All you need is enough to store this much!

Buy- Healthy Bite-Sized Snacks

You may not always be able to get yourself some healthy food, but at Costco, you can find this nutritious food for low prices. They are best known for their famous Aussie Bites that are 32 for $12.

Buy- Cashews

Wherever you go for nuts, they are going to be expensive. However, your best bet may be buying in big amounts to save you money in the future. Costco makes sure its products stay fresh by use reclosable lids.

Don’t Buy- Condiments

The good thing about condiments like Ketchup, Mustard, and Mayonnaise is that they can stay in good quality forever. However, as soon as you open them, they need to be put in the refrigerator so just keep that in mind.

Don’t Buy- Salsa

Costco tends to have large quantities of food, and this salsa jar is surely a party size. The large quantity makes it perfect for a big group of people, but it also may go bad, so if you’re not a large group of people, then it’s best to get a smaller container.

Buy- Snacks

If you’re packing lunch for your children or someone who lives a fast-paced lifestyle, then pre-packaged lunches can be great for you. Costco has everything that you could imagine from salty to sweet and more. The big amounts are great, especially if you’re someone who likes to snack frequently.

Buy- Vitamins

While you probably spend a fortune on drugs and vitamins, you probably haven’t realized that you can buy the exact same thing for another brand. Kirkland offers vitamins in a larger amount of more than half the price.

Buy- Batteries

While many of use products that require batteries daily, this energy place may be very expensive. When you find yourself at Costco, next time, you should make sure you pick up some Duracell batteries.

Buy- Milk

You may find someone who goes through milk pretty fast, so if you can manage to get through an entire gallon of Kirkland’s milk before it spoils, then this is for you. You may see other places advertising the same product, but Costco can’t beat prices.

Buy- Coffee Cups

It is recommended not to use individual coffee portions because they are bad for the environment. However, they are convenient and good decision financially. When looking at these Costco cops next to other brands, they are less expensive and taste way better.

Buy- Rotisserie Chicken

Costco is best known for its $5 rotisserie chicken, and it’s always been this way. They have ready-made and delicious chicken, and it comes in a large quantity, which makes it sufficient for the whole family. If you have leftovers, even better, go ahead and eat it another day.

Don’t Buy- Toothpaste

Toothpaste is something that you will find on sale almost everywhere. Even though you can buy big tubes at Costco, you might get better deals in the nearby supermarket or pharmacy, so watch out for this.

Buy- Peanut Butter

I don’t think there is one family member that doesn’t enjoy indulging in some creamy peanut butter. You will not only save money from a family-size jar, but you’ll never run out either. This item never goes bad, so you can make sure to stock up.

Buy- Bagels

At Costco, you will find their own special brand of absolutely delicious bagels. You can purchase a 2-pack for an inexpensive price with tons of flavors. You can eat them when they are first purchased or freeze them for a later time.

Don’t Buy- Kirkland Almond Milk

While you can find so many unbelievable products at Costco, Kirkland’s Almond milk is not necessarily one of them. You are better off with the Almond Breeze version because Costco contains ingredients that are not so tasty.

Buy- Tahini

Tahini is delicious on salads or as a dipping sauce. It is made from sesame and may end up being pretty expensive, so you may want to buy in a large amount at Costco. Just keep in mind that it needs to be refrigerated upon opening.

Buy – Bacon

Customers are extremely satisfied with Costco’s Kirkland pre-sliced bacon. The only negative feedback it received was that it is only sold in bulk. However, it still has an amazing price that other stores can’t even compare with.

Buy – Bacon Crumbles

Bacon is delicious but have you tried bacon crumbles? They are a delicious addition and are an excellent topping for any dish. They can change what you are making entirely and provide you with a mouthful of flavor.

Buy: Fresh eggs

Purchasing eggs at Costco can be great because of the low prices and variety. They have so many different options, and customers are very impressed with this. Whether it’s conventional, free-range, or organic that you’re interested in, then here you go.

Buy: Hot dogs and soda at the food court

In all of Costco’s food court, the item that most people enjoy is the Pizza. However, many feel like the hot-dog and soda package is what you should get. Even Business Insider says it is the best hot dog in America.

Buy: The acai bowl at the food court

Another delicious food you can find at the Costco food court is the acai bowl that is a plant-based product for just $5. People were so happy with this product that it was all over the headlines all over summer.

Buy: Cheese

For cheese lovers around the world, Costco is like heaven. They have so many different options are fair prices. For less than $20, you can serve around 3-4 dinner parties over a few weeks.

Skip: Signature gas grill

Costco has this gas grill at half the price as a Weber grill, but many people think that this isn’t manufactured in the best way. Also, you may not be able to find a replacement for parts that end up breaking down.

Buy: Organic berries

While we said earlier that fresh produce is not recommended, organic berries are an exception when it comes to this rule. In general, berries have amazing health benefits, and you should buy them here for half the price.

Skip: Flour, baking powder, and dried yeast

Ingredients used in baking like flour, baking powder, and dried yeast can stay on the shelf for a short period, so it’s best not to buy these in bulk. Instead, buy smaller amounts and save yourself from these products going bad.

Buy: Kirkland organic coconut water

If you’re a fan of coconut water, then you should definitely get yourself a 12-pack of Kirkland organic coconut water. It has fair prices and great online reviews. If you buy in bulk, it can stay with you for a long time too.

Buy: Verka organic yogurt

If you spend a bit more, you can purchase a 64-ounce tub of Verka organic yogurt than a 16 ounce one at the supermarket. Despite what you think, it can stay on the shelf for a long time and tastes delicious! This is the best yogurt choice Costco offers.

Skip: Las Fortunitas tortilla chips

If you can find Las Fortunitas chips at Costco, then you better run away because this bag will never be finished anyway. You will probably through them out, and Fooducate rates them a B-minus because they have hydrogenated oils.

Buy: Kerrygold butter

Costco sells many different brands of butter, and the organic Kirkland is one of them. If you are looking for high-quality butter, then people enjoy Kerrygold since it’s made from milk from grass-fed cows.

Buy: Kirkland vodka

You may be able to get any kind of alcohol at Costco, but their house brand is delicious, and some people may confuse it for Grey Goose. Some sites even did a test and found that Costco vodka is better than name brands.

Buy: Prescription glasses

Prescription eyeglasses are another pricey item on the list, particularly if you need special lenses. Whether it’s ordering online or from a store like Costco, it seems like many people try and go the cheapest route possible. There is a reason why it has become so popular as a great solution to the issue is now possible for Costco. You can not only get a good eye exam in the store, but the optometry department is quite outstanding. And even better, you are a member of Costco, and you can also get discounts on contact lenses as well as glasses. It’s a terrific deal!

Buy: Wedding floral arrangements

Oh, congratulations! You’re engaged to be married! For the significant day, looking for the wonderful flower arrangement? Well, Costco is certainly the place to go, particularly if you need to stay on spending plan and not overdo it. Costco has some delicate flower arrangements and bouquets which will make it absolutely stunning for your wedding day. Several brides have said that the quality was amazing, and the range of choices was amazing.

Buy: Luggage

Generally speaking, Costco doesn’t exactly have the biggest selection of luggage, but that doesn’t mean that their quality is low. Not only are they of superior quality, but they also have some great deals too. As a matter of fact, Clark Deals has listed Costco as one of the places to shop for luggage bargains. You should also be on the lookout for monthly coupons that will easily save you a buck or two.

Skip: Name-Brand Clothing

A lot of people think that name brand clothing at Costco is great. Well, you should think again! Compared to what you would normally find at the original name-brand store, the quality at Costco is quite low. In all likelihood, the manufactures cut corners for the clothes that are found in Costco. We’re not saying don’t buy something if you like, just know that even though it’s a brand name, the quality is not very good.

Buy: Athleisure Clothes

It’s not so common for people to think of buying workout clothing at Costco. But believe it, or not, their selection of athletic wear is pretty awesome. They have an array of options, colors, and trends.  Whether you’re looking for something to do yoga or running, they have you covered. On a blog, Tough Nickel, it was said that the options at Costco are a great bargain.

Buy: Underwear

Obviously, no piece of clothing can make everybody happy, which implies that quality would always be complained about by customers. Particularly, when it tends to come to the state of Costco men’s underwear. It seems as if most were delighted about the product’s price and convenience – but not everyone, as we said before! The reviews obtained, however, were mostly 4 out of 5 stars or above.

Buy: Flu shots

Many customers have reported that Costco indeed has the lowest prices when it comes to flu shots. But that’s not all. There are various other vaccinations that are available at the Costco Pharmacy. Some of them are for, HPV, Shingles and the Tetanus shot. It truly is a great place to do these sorts of things.

Buy: TVs

By now, we have fully noticed that at Costco there are a few absolutely remarkable deals. The list is not, however, over just yet. Costco is the place for you if you’re looking for a TV at a good price! There are a number of alternatives accessible, and what’s even better, you can now also get a two-year extended warranty to go with it. Do not miss out on this wonderful bargain!

Buy: Kirkland Vitamin Water

Kirkland Signature Vita Rain Zero has no calories, rich in minerals, and comes in a variety of fruit flavors is very similar to Glaceau Vitaminwater Zero. Both of them are sold at Costco, and many have even reported that there is barely any taste difference. The only notable difference is the price. Kirkland’s 24-count variety pack of 20-ounce Vita Rain Zero costs around $9.99. While the Glaceau Vitaminwater Zero cost $15.99.

Buy: Kirkland Honey

Once you try Kirkland Signature brand 100% U.S. raw, unfiltered honey, you won’t want to buy or taste anything else. At Costco, it comes in a 3-pound jar. Wondering what the cost is? At only $8.99., you won’t find it much cheaper than this, anywhere else. In most other places, you can find a similar 2-pound jar of raw, unfiltered honey for approximately $12.99.

Buy: Kirkland Animal Crackers

This next must buy on the kids doesn’t necessarily have to just be for kids. Regardless of whos eating it, it is definitely one of the tastiest snacks around. Kirkland Signature Organic Animal Crackers are super! They come in a 64-ounce barrel for $9.99. While supermarket chains offer the same product for a similar price, you only get 4 ounces less. All in all, Costco has another great deal!

Buy: Wine

In recent years, Costco has gained a positive reputation for selling some good, high-quality wines at lower prices compared to other retailers. Did you know that Costco even has its very own signature Kirkland label that is produced by many renowned wineries? If you are yet to try one of their wines, best you go so fast.

Skip: Printer Paper

If you’re not one to print many things at home, then buying printing paper at Costco is okay. However, if you’re shopping for your office, then it’s best to skip this one. Reviewers have suggested that office supply stores usually have much better deals and quality with regards to the printing paper. Look out for coupons during back to school time- you’ll be saving a lot.

Skip: Hummus

Unless you’re throwing a big party, which is highly unlikely during the time of a global pandemic, you really shouldn’t buy Costco’s hummus. Firstly the tub is massive, meaning more than likely it’s going to go to waste at some point. It’s best to stick with smaller portions from other traditional grocery stores.

Skip: Jerky

Most people assume that as beef jerky is preserved with salt and other spices that it will stay fresh for quite some time. Well, no, that’s not always the case. Whether it’s turkey, beef, or chicken, as soon as the snack is opened, it needs to be refrigerated straight after it’s opened. And anyways, most jerky packages should be consumed within 3-4 days of opening, even if it’s been refrigerated. So, for this reason, buying in bulk from Costco may not always be the best thing.

Skip: Protein Bars

Unless you’ve tasted Costco’s signature brand protein bars and absolutely love them, then there’s no really any reason to want to buy 40 of them at one time. Take our advice if you don’t know them, don’t risk wasting your time and these bars. In addition, Costco sells their protein bars for roughly $1 per bar. However, if you want to buy Pure Protein bars in bulk on Amazon, this is your best bet as they cost less at just $0.90 per bar.

Skip: Body Lotions

When it comes to saving money, most people think it’s always best to buy in bulk, no matter what the product is. However, this is not always the case. A lot of the skincare and body products are not of the best quality even though their prices are pretty low compared to other stores. But, if you don’t mind so much about the value, then yes, it’s a good bargain.

Skip: Gel Dishwasher Detergent

On a recent Consumer Reports, it was said that “The Kirkland Signature Gel is one of the lowest-rated detergents.” They also continued to add: “It struggled with dishes, pots and pans, and resistance to water spots.” Take this advice seriously, don’t buy their dishwasher detergent- you can find better elsewhere.

Skip: DVDs

For those folks who are still buying DVDs, whatever you do, avoid buying them at Costco. It’s not exactly surprising that Amazon beats Costco when it comes to DVD prices. And there’s an added benefit too, and they also ship them directly to your house. So unless you’re desperate, it’s best to shop someplace else.

Skip: Disposable Razors

Even though it seems completely sensible to buy a huge box of disposable razors at a good price, believe it or not, but Costco is actually not the cheapest place. Consumers have said that Walmart seems to be much better than Costco. While Costco sells 14 Kirkland razors for $23 ($1.64 per razor), you will find 10 Gillette disposable razors at Walmart for $7.97 ($0.80 per razor). So if we’ve done the maths correctly…that about half the price!

Buy: Pills

When it comes to buying medication, both over the counter or prescription pills, Costco is definitely where you should be shopping! Recent Consumer Reports showed that surveys and studies that compared the prices over roughly 150 different pharmacies around the USA showed that Costco was actually the top choice in terms of price and deals.

Buy: Nuts

Fortunately for regular Costco shoppers and people who absolutely love nuts, this is where you need to be shopping. Costco has a wide selection of nearly any kind of nut under the sun, and they all come in enormous packages. For those who know, nuts can be quite expensive, but at Costco, they are very reasonably priced and come in great packaging, which keeps them fresh.

Skip: Electronics

While browsing the aisles of Costco, you never know what you may come across. Besides the fact that most shoppers generally opt for groceries or home products, there are times when they get distracted by the selection of books, fashionable clothes, and more. The electronics department is often one opt the most difficult to pass without wanting a sneak peek. Don’t get too excited though, and it has been suggested that other electronic stores actually have much better deals on the very same appliances and products.

Buy: Golf balls

For avid golfers, when it comes to shopping around for golfing equipment, Costco may not exactly be the first place that comes to mind, right? Having said that, not many people know that the warehouse came out with a Kirkland-brand golf ball and left many golfers across the USA very chuffed. When it came to testing Kirkland balls, Golfalot, it was found that they compare very well with other premium golf balls.

Don’t Buy: Kirkland Signature Marinara Sauce

Spaghetti sauce is hard to mess up. But evidently, in the Italian condiments department, Kirkland Signature is really not killing it. If you really need to make a very big quantity of spaghetti, there have been better sauce brands that you can buy in bulk. It seems as though the customers have already spoken. Kirkland, you can’t really win them all.

Buy: Meat and Poultry

At Costco, the expense of the club is better than the price typically offered by a local grocery store. The grade is outstanding for beef too! With a single go, you would just buy a bunch of meat and instead cut everything before putting it in the freezer in portion sizes.

Don’t Buy: Certain Prepared Foods

Costco provides several choices for healthier eating on a budget. Still, you might even be better off with fresh products such as nuts, meats, as well as cheeses instead of certain premade food products such as chicken tikka masala or enchiladas. Costco Reddit fans said the store’s prepared foods are delicious but expensive, so please be aware.

Buy: Kirkland Italian Sparkling Water

San Pellegrino is the most highly regarded sparkling water out there. The Kirkland Signature Italian Sparkling Mineral Water is, that being said, likely to have to be checked out instead. Together, you will find these two items at Costco. You won’t be finding any big flavor distinctions, but the price levels are different! When you buy a 24-pack of 16.9-oz Kirkland sparkling water bottles, you only pay $12.99. A smaller case costs $16.99 for a Pellegrino!

Don’t Buy: Bread And Pastries

Fresh bread and pastry products wouldn’t last very long, and these are products that you may not get to use while fresh if you buy in bulk. Plus, the best price for the warehouse retailer won’t necessarily be there.

Buy: Organic Almond Butter

Organic nut butter is a healthy source of protein, but it’s costly as well. Grace Guffin raved about Costco’s house-brand organic almond butter on the Cooking Light blog in a post titled ‘The One Item That Makes a Trip to Costco So Worth It.’

Don’t Buy: School And Office Supplies

Although these goods do not expire, this is just an area where Costco may not be even the best option for deals. “School and office supplies are really expensive at Costco,” says Zakaria. “You can find a much better deal by shopping at Target or Walmart during their back-to-school shopping sales.”

Buy: Generic Drugs

You will probably use a number of these in the Costco warehouse before it expires if you take an over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen, Tagamet, or perhaps an allergy medication on a frequent basis. You’re going to pay a fraction of what these medicines will cost you, and you don’t frequently run out of generic drugs.

Don’t Buy: Personal Care Products

Don’t overdo it, even though the price is right, with those Costco care products purchased. “Personal care products often come in massive bottles or in multi-packs. I prefer multi-packs because the product inside stays fresh, but a general rule is that you should only buy personal care products that you go through quickly,” Bodge said. “Certain products, like face creams and sunscreen, may spoil or lose their efficacy over time.”

Buy: Kirkland Signature Basil Pesto

You don’t need to break out the mortar and pestle to get a delicious pesto sauce! This Costco variant is manufactured in Italy and is therefore excellent for both sandwiches and pasta.

Don’t Buy: Sweets

Here’s the point: maybe you could save money on sweets at Costco… But is the good quality of cheap candy what you really need and want? If you try to stuff your piñata, maybe yes, admittedly, is the answer to that. But if this is for your home, it would be reasonable to consider your well-being and your love of a bargain.

Buy: Good Foods Chunky Guacamole

Don’t you feel like whipping up some homemade guacamole with a handful? This variant is just as delicious as scratch-based guacamole, which you can then acquire at Costco.

Don’t Buy: Salty Snacks

As with bulk-buying cereal, you face the risk of your salty snacks going monotonous when you buy them in overly large packs. Smaller bags of brand-name potato chips, tortilla chips, and similar salty snacks are often on special offer in grocery stores, perhaps at a 50 percent discount. Stock up ahead of major sports events when snack manufacturing companies run some of their best promos.

Buy: Kirkland Signature Parmigiano Reggiano

Put down the “Parmesan” and pick up a container of this real Parmigiano Reggiano, directly from Kirkland Signature, Costco’s house brand. From asparagus to mashed potatoes, it is all flawless.

Don’t Buy: Cooking Oil

Unless you’re operating a restaurant or deep-frying turkeys on Saturdays and Sundays, those bulk sizes of cooking oil are not really the decent purchase they seem. The Kirkland Signature cooking oils that are sold on Costco.com come in two packs. The two-pack of canola oil included 2.84 liters of oil per bottle; the two-pack of olive oil and Mediterranean mix oil included 3 liters of oil per bottle. That’s a huge amount of oil.

Buy: Uncooked Cookies

It seems that not a large number of individuals were informed about this little technique. If you are craving pastries, you could save money by purchasing uncooked pastries! When you go to the bakery counter, ask for a box. That’s a lovely way to save money. After all, you typically pay 7.99 dollars for a box of 21 cookies. However, you can buy as many as 120 pieces for only $22.99 when you go for uncooked ones instead!